Councilman says soccer stadium a 'necessary project'

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WHAS11) – Metro Councilman Brent Ackerson of District 26 is one of 23 council members to approve $30 million in bonds to build a soccer stadium in the Butchertown neighborhood.

He says the move is “exciting” and a “necessary project.”

"One out of every 100 people choose to spend their hard-earned dollars and their limited free time attending that so it's an important project for the city, so it’s a great step to bring something to the people in this community and to move forward and grow."

Councilman Ackerson says if cities aren't growing then they're going the wrong way and compares this project to the Yum! Center downtown which cost $450 million to build.

He adds that with a population in the metro of nearly 780,000, the new stadium will seat 10 to 12,000 with the potential for growth – numbers now for attendance at Louisville City FC games average around 7,800.

A sign supporting the site of the proposed Louisville City FC stadium in Butchertown.&nbsp;

"I've always been tough on government subsidies for what I consider rich people -- business can handle its own business. However, there are times that the government should be involved when it's dealing with brownfields, trying to revitalize areas that need economic development. The government should be involved," he said.

The stadium could bring in more retail and housing space, in addition to at least one hotel.

It has to be operational by 2020 to keep the soccer team in Louisville.